Seasonal Landscape Maintenance Worker - April 2025 - Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure, and recreation of its citizens.

Job Summary

This position involves operating equipment and supporting landscape maintenance within the District. This position contributes to the care and upkeep of District preserves and facilities. By assisting Grounds Management Crews in adhering to proper arboricultural practices, the Seasonal Landscaper ensures the safety of forest preserve users while preserving the health of natural resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Safely operate and maintain landscape equipment, including mowers, trimmers, and other power and hand tools.
• Perform routine landscape maintenance tasks, including mowing, trimming, weeding, de-littering, and edging.
• Assist with the installation of soil and compost.
• Maintain the cleanliness and appearance of the site, including garbage removal and gutter cleaning.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures within the preserves.
• Assist with volunteer workdays.
• Assist garden and special event volunteers (including set-up and takedown).
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
• Valid Driver's License in good standing.
• Prior experience in landscape maintenance and turf management, including the operation of lawnmowers and trimmers, is preferred.
• Proficiency in the identification of native and invasive flora.
• Familiarity with common grounds maintenance equipment, including mowers and trimmers.
• Ability to perform physically demanding manual labor tasks.
• Skill in maintaining effective relationships with colleagues and team members.

Schedule: Position starts in April/May with an end date in September. Monday through Friday, shifts of 6:45 AM until 2:45 PM.

Pay: $17/hour.

Work Environment: Requires working outdoors. Exposure to all weather conditions, insects and other wildlife, uneven terrain, sharp tools, and motorized equipment. Work involves lifting and maneuvering large objects. Requires operating motor vehicles.

Other Information: Safety toe boots and glasses are required and reimbursable. Work t-shirts are provided. Bagged lunch and water are required, as breaks are taken at work sites. Reports to Blackwell Nursery Complex in West Chicago, IL.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.